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Russia's runaway soldiers

The story of an ex-Russian soldier who is seeking refuge in France and the relatives risking jail time for protecting deserters inside the country.

There has been a record number of cases this year of Russian soldiers deserting their units. Amaliya Zatari from BBC Russian has spoken to one young man who managed to get to France along with five others. Nina Nazarova, also from BBC Russian, offers a unique insight into the price many ordinary Russian families are paying when they try to hide or protect their relatives. Plus, Valeria Perasso gives us a sneak peak of this year's BBC 100 Women list.

Produced by Hannah Dean and Alice Gioia.

(Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich.)

Available now

27 minutes

Last on

Mon 2 Dec 202403:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Sat 30 Nov 202405:32GMT
  • Sun 1 Dec 202400:32GMT
  • Sun 1 Dec 202401:32GMT
  • Sun 1 Dec 202401:32GMT
  • Sun 1 Dec 202410:32GMT
  • Sun 1 Dec 202422:32GMT
  • Mon 2 Dec 202403:32GMT